On another note, the quake shifted the earth's axis 25 cm. (or 9.84 in.). That will have climate repercussions.
Precisely, and all the tectonic, volcanic activity of the past 5 years is more likely the cause of global warming than anything man has or could have done. The Earth is a huge and dynamic chunk of rock with many dynamic ecosystems, and man is but a piddling dot on its surface who could not possibly match the awesome power of the planet's overall dynamics.
Yes, humanity needs to clean up its act, but charging ordinary and poor folk a carbon tax will do nothing other than line the pockets of those who seek to become considerably wealthier than they already are. If the proposed carbon tax is implemented here in Australia, my quarterly power bill will rise to a $1,000 +. That's going to be $4,000 p/a and closing in on a quarter of what I get to live on.... if only I could afford to similarly pay a bunch of scientists to produce findings that were in my/our better interests.
Anyhow, I digress and my anti-global warming rant won't change the bullshit or the minds of those set to benefit most. I am considerably better off than those affected by this horrendous natural disaster. At least I have power... and a roof over my head.
Fortunately, Japan is well equipped and many countries have sent search and rescue teams to assist in the bid to find survivors, etc.
It isn't that bad yet. There are contingency plans being implemented. Even if it does go into meltdown it won't be nearly as bad as Three Mile Island or Chernobyl.
Let's hope not, neither Japan or the world at large can afford such a disaster... it would take decades to recover economically and otherwise, like the necessary exclusion zone in an island nation the size of Japan.
